St. Landry democrat., 1887-06-18


After an exchange of amicable greetings,
the two gentlemen spent half an hour or SC
in confidential conversation on the state Of
their respective trades; then, as pleasant
disbursement after this head-work, they i'm
bibed several glasses of brandy and water,
and smoked as many high-favored cigars.
Perhaps Mr.. Levi consumed more than his
fair share of these luxuries, for in moment
of expansion he began to talk over his bust
ness projects for the coming season.
eve got capital thing in view. don't
mind telling you abou: it. Zerubbabel, my
dear boy, for you re not in the same swim,
so it doesn't matter. Have you heard OF
young Megilp's Academy picture?'
Zerubbabel shook his head but leant for
ward eagerly, with his cunning eyes fixed on
Mr.. Lewis flushed countenance.
splendid thing-safe to make sensation.
I mean to get hold of it cheap, if | can; and
as he's only young fellow, and apparently
hard up, the chances are shall
think the picture really worth having?"
said Zerubbabel with depreciatory shrug.
sNot doubt about it. You see, it's an at
tractive subject, and one that is sure to take
torical pictures They prefer something
pretty and pastoral, and that sort Of thing.
Bet you what you like that Megilps pic
ture'l be hung on the line At all events,
I'm going round to his studio in few days
to make him an offer for it,
Mr. Zerubbabel smiled, and rubbed his
hands complacently. He had learnt some
thing that might be useful to him.
He didn't get rid of Mr. Levi until late in
the afternoon, consequently 1t was nearly
seven o'clock before he emerged from his
shop and stopped passing bus.
In less than half an hour the bric-a-brac
dealer was set down close to the Megilps
door. The servant who answered the bell
told him that Mr.. Megilp was dining out that
evening, and asked if he would see her mis-
tress
Thinking lady would be an easier GUS
toner to deal with, Mr. Zerubbabel said that
he would like to speak to Mrs. Megilp for
few minutes. Accordingly he was ushered
into the dining-room, where the lady shortly
joined him.
you have called to see my husband
about the-the bill of sale" the little woman
began, III frightened tone.
well, yes, ma am, in way | have; but
I should like TO see the picture he offered me
this morning"
''The Academy picture?'' suggested Mrs.
Megilp, her face Frightening. Il am so
sorry; but my husband generally locks up
his studio when he goes out. Can't you call
another day and see it?''
wa, Nv hha ba1 anna
bly,; but as I'm here, may as well tell
you of the offer I am willing to make
Mrs. Megilp's pretty face beamed with joy
at the idea of arranging matters with the
money-lender. 1t would be such delight
full surprise for Michael Angelo when he
came home to find that that tiresome busi-
ness of the bill of sale had been brought to
a satisfactory conclusion during his absence.
MIR. Megilp wants to get back his bill of
sale on this furniture '' began Mr.. Zerub-
babel, with a circular sweep of the hands to-
ward the contents of the room.
"Y-yes,n breathed poor Madge with
shiver, for she thought that the odious
man looked as if he would like
to carry off her household goods there and
then. All the brightness went out of her
face, and she grew quite pale.
"Well, of course, my expenses IN connec-
ton with his bill have been heavy-very
heavy and my loss, if | let it be paid off at
once, will be great-very great-in fact, e1o0
will barely put me straight" said Mr.. Ze-
rubbabel, in a business-like tone.
"That, added to the goo Mr.. Megilp
borrowed of me last year, makes
$500. Now, I'll make h: his offer: I'll give
him check for e25, and send HIM back the
bill Of sale, in consideration of his Academy
picture-the big one, mind, mean-becom-
ing my property"
1.-The picture has been valued at $780, put
in Mrs. Megilp, timidly.
"Oh has it? By you and Mr.. Megilp, l
suppose Well, l amt going to give that.
What / have offered is as good as 93325-an
uncommonly high price, let me tell you,
ma am for picture by an unknown artist"
Every one says that my husband is one
of the rising artists Of the day." exclaimed
Mrs. Megilp firing up.
'Oh, they all are, retorted Mr.. Zerubba-
bel, rising Still, you had better think
over my offer, and tell Mr.. Megilp what |
nave IL tdll 1Ouilu III q das VI INo w
see the picture, when you can let me have
definite answer"
And Mr.. Zerubbabel took up his hat and
bowed and grinned himself out, leaving the
indignant little woman to think over matters
in general, and the matter Of the bill of sale
in particular.
When Michael Angelo came in she told
him of the mans visit and the proposition
he had made.
HE has changed his mind pretty quickly"
remarked Megilp. This morning he would
have nothing to say to my proposal. Be-
sides, EOS is very little to get in hard cash.
so shall certainly wait for a few days be-
fore / decide. Carper promised to speak a
good word for me to dealer he knows"
A day or two afterward Mr.. Abiram
Levi presented himself at Megilp's
studio, and found the artist putting a
few final touches to ''Chloe Counting Her
Chickens" He surveyed the picture atten-
lively for some minutes, and then, turning
to Michael Angelo, he blandly offered him
a1OO for it.
"Why, I've had the offer Of as good as
e325 for it already" exclaimed the artist,
Indignantly.
Mr.. Levi pricked up his ears.
"Hullo! somebody has got the start OF
men he thought ruefully "WhO the deuce